Auto box service- guidance please?

[bigwinn]

Hi all

Last major job to do on the car is an auto box oil/filter change- which I did on the manual 2.2...

So on the 3.0 5 speed auto (ZF) I've read a few guides and how to's, namely Shipkillers and Ducklakeview's on here. Plus a few generic ZF BMW videos I found on Youtube

I'm not clear if you DO or DONT need access to the gearbox ECU/diagnostics?

Most guides suggest that 4-5L of fluid is OK for a filter change.
Planning to change the gasket and the filter.

Anyone done this who can definitively guide on the process?

Thanks as always!

Stuart

 

[Anonymous]

The ZF6HP box is pretty similar to the ZF8HP box fitted to my car..

The key issue is to see that the gearbox fluid re-fill temperature is correct which a diagnostic reader can show..this ensures correct fill

The rest of the issue is essentially exercising the box to ensure all the fluid cavities have been fillled..

 

[bigwinn]

The ZF6HP box is pretty similar to the ZF8HP box fitted to my car..

The key issue is to see that the gearbox fluid re-fill temperature is correct which a diagnostic reader can show..this ensures correct fill

The rest of the issue is essentially exercising the box to ensure all the fluid cavities have been fillled..

What reader/software is recommended?

Cheers!

 

[Rockhopper]

I'll just leave this here:

Two BMW specialists and an independent automatic gearbox repair specialist have advised me not to change the fluid unless you are trying to cure some problem.

I've read of people who have done it and had no problems though.

 

[bigwinn]

I'll just leave this here:

Two BMW specialists and an independent automatic gearbox repair specialist have advised me not to change the fluid unless you are trying to cure some problem.

I've read of people who have done it and had no problems though.

I do have that ringing in my ears

But that oil is approaching 18 years old…

 

[Zulu4]

I'll just leave this here:

Two BMW specialists and an independent automatic gearbox repair specialist have advised me not to change the fluid unless you are trying to cure some problem.

I've read of people who have done it and had no problems though.

I've heard that reasoning too on the VW forums.
My gearchange is silky smooth so, in my opinion, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

[bigwinn]

The change on mine is ok

But just ok

I’m not used to autos but it does labour or hang in gear sometimes

I guess it’s peace of mind- I’ve done every other fluid and filter and after doing the manual box that did make a difference

 

[Anonymous]

You can never change oil n filters too frequently providing its done properly..

ZF built 7 million of those 6HPs..so when they say service at elast every 7-8 years / 50k miles whichever first I think they know what they are talking about.

THe faults you have indicate that teh frist port of call is a filter/fluid change..most of those faults then dissapear..

After that fault code readers and/or reset adapation..

 

[mmm-five]

Here's ZF's own guide on doing the service.

However, they have recently (maybe on the protestations of BMW and other manufacturers) changed their recommended service interval from "100,000km/62,000 miles (in normal operation) and more frequently if towing" to "150,000km/93,000 miles (in normal operation)".

5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as 4HP20 automatic transmissions

ZF 5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as the ZF 4HP20 automatic transmissions are filled maintenance-free with specially developed semi-synthetic ATF oils. However, due to the many factors influencing the service life of transmissions in individual operation, ZF recommends an oil change after 150,000 km for its transmissions.

In operating conditions with high temperatures and loads, or with unknown vehicle use in the past, it can make sense to change the transmission oil at shorter intervals.

ZF PDF

Seems very close to where BMW would tell you to jog on if you had an issue - and there's also anecdotal tales of BMW refusing warranty work on a gearbox that has been opened against their recommendations...in fact my local BMW specialist specifically warns they'll not warranty any high-mileage (over 100k miles they said) BMW-fitted GM/ZF gearbox where the customer asks for a service, as their experience is it's a 50/50 risk and then the customer comes back to them wanting a contribution to a £2-3k bill.

My advice would be that if you're going to do it, do it regularly (every 50k miles or so) if you've had the car from low-ish mileage. If you've bought a car with unknown gearbox servicing and it's over 100k miles, then you'll have to decide whether it's worth the risk.

 

[bigwinn]

See what I mean?

I’m very torn on doing it vs not

Reality is now the car won’t do more than 1000 miles a year

 

[Zulu4]

I have 3 cars with ZF auto gearboxes (6HP and 9HP). I notice that they only "hang on" to a gear when they are first started and it is cold. After a minute or so they are OK. The 6HP's gearchanges are much smoother than the newer 9HP (which has internal clutch packs).
If your gearchange is lumpy then I guess it might be time for a change of oil :?

 

[bigwinn]

100% agree-

It needs a damn good thrash post vanos to shake it all down anyway

 

[bigwinn]

Bit the bullet and changed the auto box fluid today

Wouldn't have wanted to do that on the drive under axle stands, used Tonys pit; messiest job I've done before.

Still- magnets on the pan had a fair amount of metal paste on them, the fluid was black and thin. Popped 5L back in and its deffo made a difference to the shifting and labouring in gear

 

[bigwinn]

Oh yeah forgot to say I got quoted nearly £500 for the job at an independent

 

[Rockhopper]

I did get a quote of £175 for mine. Some boxes have the filter built into the sump which is why they are pricey.